Most adult Ukrainians believe that Volodymyr Zelensky should limit himself to one presidential term and not run in the next election. At the same time, researchers note a decline in public trust in the incumbent president and rising criticism linked to a high-profile anti-corruption investigation.
These findings are detailed in a sociological study conducted by the research company Sociopolis on behalf of the Strategic Communications Center “Forum.” The survey was carried out from 18 to 24 November 2025 using the CATI telephone-interview method based on a representative sample of 1,007 respondents.
According to the results, 52.2% of Ukrainians say Zelensky should step down after his current term, as he promised in 2019. Meanwhile, 42.8% believe he should run again. Another 5% were undecided. Compared to September 2025, the share of those supporting “one term only” increased from 46.6% to 52.2%, while support for a potential second term dropped from 47.4% to 42.8%.
The situation is further complicated by public perception of a corruption scandal involving Tymur Mindich, co-founder of the “Kvartal 95” studio. A majority of respondents (60%) believe the president bears personal responsibility for the actions of Mindich and other figures in the investigation. Only 34% reject the idea of Zelensky’s personal responsibility, and 6% could not provide an answer.
Despite this, Zelensky’s trust rating remains relatively high, though it continues to decline. In late November 2025, 54% of respondents fully or somewhat trusted the president (30.3% fully, 23.7% somewhat). A total of 41.9% said they did not trust him, including 26% who reported complete distrust.
In September, the figures were significantly more favorable: 59.7% expressed trust and 35.8% expressed distrust. Thus, over two months, the number of those who trust the president decreased by nearly six points, while distrust rose by more than six.
Researchers conclude that public demand for limiting presidential power is growing, alongside heightened critical perceptions of the political environment amid corruption scandals and the ongoing war.
